Health

Dentists' attitudes toward the treatment of HIV-positive patients

Article Abstract:

Many dentists will render care to HIV-infected people, although some experience job dissatisfaction related to HIV risks. Researchers surveyed 671 dentists to determine their attitudes about HIV-infected people. Sixty-seven percent will treat an HIV-infected patient, although 84% believed that they had the right to accept or refuse such patients. Forty-four percent reported diminished job satisfaction because they fear HIV exposure and 32% regretted choosing dentistry as their profession because of HIV risks. Eighty-three percent had compassion for HIV-infected patients. Dentists who had treated more than two HIV-infected patients during the last year, those with an HIV-infected friend, and dentists aged 35 and younger were more likely to have positive attitudes about HIV-infected patients than other dentists.

Managing the care of patients infected with bloodborne diseases

Article Abstract:

Suggestions are given for dentists who treat patients with HIV infection, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Dentists should take a complete medical history that includes all medications the patient is taking. They should also follow all infection control procedures recommended by the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures.

Ensuring the oral health of patients with HIV

Article Abstract:

Some of the oral health issues addressed in the survey-HIV Costs and Services Utilization Study regarding HIV infected patients are discussed. Few suggestions are provided to ensure oral health of HIV patients.